Awarding of Scholarships in Memory of Michalis Polydoros 2025-2026 to postgraduate students of the Computer Science Department

With the continuous enhancement of the well-being of its students as one of its main objectives, the University of Cyprus continues its tradition of providing annual scholarships, with the loyal support, among others, of its friendly donors, practically supporting the efforts and dreams of its students for the successful completion of their studies.

In this context, the University of Cyprus announces the Michalis Polydoros Memorial Scholarships 2025-2026 award to three postgraduate students of the Department of Informatics. These scholarships were established in early 2023, following the acceptance of the financial donation of Mr. Charalambos Polydoros, Michalis’ father, who had left a few months earlier for London, where he was pursuing a career in the field of cybersecurity.

This year’s scholars, who sent their messages of gratitude during the relevant Ceremony, are:

• Gregory Michael – «The award of this Scholarship is a significant reward for my work and efforts to date and I greatly appreciate it. The support this scholarship offers me will significantly help me in my academic career and will enable me to continue to develop and progress.».
• Efi Siapiti – «To turn an unbearable painful tragedy into something so positive and supportive shows true greatness of soul. I thank Mr. Polydorou for this act and the support offered to me. For my part, I hope to honour this support by producing work in the field that Mike is also initiating, as my PhD focuses on the field. I hope that one day I will be able to return the act and continue the chain of faith in humanity which for me would be the real thank you.».
• Andreas Solomou – «It is a great honour to receive the Michael (Mike) Polydorou Memorial Scholarship. Your support is a significant recognition of my efforts and encourages me to continue my academic and research career with even greater zeal.».

The donor Charalambos Polydorou, particularly moved as it is almost three years since the loss of his son, initially referred to the academic work of the late Michalis and rightfully congratulated the new scholars, wishing them every success in their research, academic and professional careers. Finally, he announced his desire to make a non-monetary donation to the University, so that Michalis’ book collections and electronic equipment can be made available to the Library and the Department of Informatics respectively.

In his message, the Rector, Professor Tasos Christofides, warmly thanked Mr Polydorou for his valuable and irreplaceable contribution and expressed the satisfaction of the University of Cyprus for his substantial support for the multi-level work that the first educational institution of higher education in Cyprus has been consistently carrying out since its establishment. He also emphasized that the provision of scholarships, with the support of the benefactors/friends of the University of Cyprus, constitutes an investment in society and the future of Cyprus, as they make the beneficiaries its best ambassadors/bearers, while at the same time honouring, in the best possible way, the memory of Michalis Polydorou. Addressing the scholarship students, the Rector welcomed them to the dynamic university community and wished them progress and success in their goals.

Read the relevant announcement.